As people become more aware of the negative impacts that the mainstream fast fashion industry has on people, animals and the environment, ethical fashion has become more popular and prominent. With brands such as Reformation, Etiko and People Tree starting up to address some of the issues that fast fashion presents, customers have more options than ever before to express themselves, morals and personal values included. 

But what does ethical fashion actually mean? 

This is a tricky question as the term ‘ethical’ means different things to different people. Depending on who you are and what you value, ethical could mean sustainably sourced, vegan, fairtrade certified or a plethora of other different interpretations.

Instead of trying to apply a blanket definition to ethical fashion, The Conscious Wardrobe has divided businesses up into those that fit into the following categories.

Vegan: Businesses that produce items without the use of animal products such as leather.

e.g. Della

Fairtrade: Certified businesses that meet standards for international labour such as reasonable work hours, no child labour and a fair living wage as well as who have a social policy in relation to the production of their goods.

e.g. Etiko

Organic: Businesses whose natural fibres have been grown without any pesticides or other toxic materials, preserving the health of humans and the environment.

e.g. Alas the label

Eco Friendly: Businesses who focus on making their production process sustainable in ways such as minimising their use of water or minimising pollution and waste.

e.g. Reformation

Fair Working Conditions: Businesses that ensure that their workers experience reasonable work hours, no child labour and a fair living wage.

e.g. People Tree

Artisan: Businesses whose products have been crafted using artisan skills such as embroidery which preserve ancestral traditions.

e.g. Yevu

Recycled: Businesses that produce items from already existing materials such as fabrics, metals, or fibers.

e.g. Matt and Nat

Vintage/Up-cycled: Businesses that sell second hand or modified items from earlier eras. 

e.g. Your local Salvos

Cause supporting: Businesses that donate a portion of their profits to a cause or charity.

e.g. Conscious Step

Dozens of fashion businesses are working towards addressing the issues in the fashion industry in these ways, its just a matter of finding them.

If you'd like to find out more about the ethical fashion movement, follow The Conscious Wardrobe on Instagram or Twitter to get more information and receive updates on our launch.